The news Rob Gronkowski, the good-time-having tight end of the New England Patriots, would be serving as a red carpet correspondent for the Rich Eisen Podcast was met by many with much fanfare, breathless anticipation and for some, outright giddiness. The possibilities of what the unpredictable Rob Gronkowski might do when armed with a microphone to patrol the red carpet as all the big stars made their way into the 85th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 24 were seemingly endless.

Now, sadly, we learn from ESPN Boston that Gronk has stepped aside — or been pulled from the gig — and replaced by current Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed. Drat.

It’s not that Ed Reed will not fill in admirably for Gronkowski, it’s just that, you know, he’s not Gronk.

No word on why Gronkowski will not be at the Oscars, but it’s possible, given his recent track record of party time skullduggery, that perhaps the Patriots organization stepped in and suggested Gronk take a time out. Lay low, take it easy, you know? We all have to dry out sooner or later, right?